Emerging Leaders

26

Oct

Welcome + Orientation

2:00pm - 2:30pm

Start your journey with a warm welcome designed to set the tone for the Young Professionals Program. Get to know your program hosts and connect with fellow rising leaders.

Lightning Round Pitches by Employers

2:30pm - 3:00pm

This rapid-fire session gives you a front-row seat to hear directly from leading companies in hospitality. Each organization will have just 5 minutes to introduce who they are, the career paths they offer, the kind of talent they’re seeking, and what sets their culture and benefits apart. 

Open Networking

3:00pm - 3:30pm

A relaxed networking meetup designed to keep the conversations going. Whether you're debriefing key takeaways, swapping stories, or making new friends, this gathering is your chance to connect with fellow young professionals and industry peers in a casual setting.

Create Your Own Shazam Magic: Disrupt Your Thinking. Defy Barriers. Inspire Delight. 

5:10pm - 5:55pm

What if the impossible wasn’t? Chris Barton, founder of Shazam, reveals how bold ideas—and creative persistence—can transform entire industries. 

27

Oct

Career Center Lounge Open

11:00am - 4:30pm

Drop by the Career Center Lounge for guidance on putting your best foot forward. Get your resume reviewed by HR professionals, fine-tune your LinkedIn profile with personalized feedback, and pick up smart tips to strengthen your personal brand. 

Guided Expo Floor Tour

11:15am - 11:45am

Navigate the show floor with purpose during this guided tour designed exclusively for young professionals. 

30 & Under Power Panel: Young Leaders Driving Hospitality Forward

1:00pm - 1:45pm

In this engaging panel, young professionals from across the hospitality ecosystem including developers, owner/operators, GMs, and service innovators share how they’re navigating the industry, challenging traditional models, and driving change from within.

1:1 Meetings (optional)

2:00pm - 3:30pm

Get face time with the pros during a series of quick, 10-minute one-on-one meetings with seasoned professionals across the hospitality industry. It’s a rare chance to explore career paths, make connections, and get advice straight from the source.

Agree to Disrupt: The Next Gen Debate

4:00pm - 4:30pm

In this fast-paced Agree/Disagree session, young professionals will react to thought-provoking statements, challenge conventional thinking, and spark candid conversations.

28

Oct

Resilient Hotels Begin with Resilient Teams: A General Manager’s Guide to Purposeful Leadership

11:15am - 11:45am

The true strength of a hotel resides in its people. In this session, you will hear from general managers who are leading with purpose - creating cultures that prioritize well-being, retention, and inclusivity.